The Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF) has announced the launch of a new grant program, Startup EDGE, designed to support early-stage innovative startups and strengthen the competitiveness of Ukraine’s startup ecosystem on the global stage.
The initiative was presented by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov during IT Arena 2025 in Lviv.
Program Details
The total budget of the program is €1 million.
Grants will be provided in three priority areas:
- DeepTech — artificial intelligence and machine learning, biotechnology, life sciences, robotics, 5G, Web3, quantum technologies, electronics, cybersecurity, etc.
- GreenTech — sustainable technologies, renewable energy, “clean” technologies, solutions for resource conservation and minimizing environmental impact.
- EdTech — digital educational solutions and tools for transforming learning and increasing access to knowledge.
At the pre-seed stage, startups may receive grants of up to €20,000, while at the seed stage — up to €40,000.
The selection process includes several stages: compliance check, expert evaluation, pitching before a competition committee, approval by the USF Supervisory Board, and signing of the grant agreement.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Applicants must be a legal entity registered in Ukraine (LLC or sole proprietorship) or an equivalent form operating in Ukraine.
- The organization must have been established no later than January 2020.
- Projects related to dual-use or military-purpose goods or technologies are not eligible.
- Applicants must not have received investments or grants exceeding the equivalent of $500,000 throughout their operations.
- Only one application per project in one sector may be submitted during a single competition. If rejected, it may be resubmitted, but no more than three times during the program’s lifetime.
- Grants will be disbursed in a single tranche, regardless of project duration.
- The program will run until 2027 and will include four competition waves.
Partners and Support
The program is implemented by USF with the support of the EU-funded EU4Innovation East project, co-financed by the Government of France and implemented by Expertise France.
EU4Innovation East aims to strengthen the competitiveness of innovation ecosystems in Eastern Partnership countries and will operate from 2024 to 2028.
Context and Significance
- The program is being launched as Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem demonstrates resilience despite the war, large-scale destruction of research infrastructure, migration of scientists, and other challenges.
- At the same time, Ukraine continues to receive support from the EU and international partners for the development of DeepTech startups and technology entrepreneurs, enabling integration into global markets.
- Startup EDGE is set to become an important support instrument for early-stage startups, helping them transition to larger-scale projects with access to international financing.
